Carlos Chan’s friendship award

Some friendships endure and even flourish despite the passing of time and the seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Filipino-Chinese taipan Carlos Chan, chairman of Oishi maker Liwayway Group, talked about one such friendship – that which exists between the Philippines and China – when he received the Chinese Government Friendship Award from the People’s Republic of China last month.

It may seem surreal to be talking about the friendship between the two nations in this time of geopolitical tensions but it’s also a fact that the relationship between the two countries goes beyond the territorial disputes. Just ask Filipino-Chinese taipans like Mr. Chan and Chinese entrepreneurs doing business in the Philippines.

Mr. Chan, the indefatigable businessman that he is, is a testament to this kind of business relationship. He has also been instrumental in nurturing the friendship between the Philippines and China.

Which is why it’s not surprising that he received such a prestigious award from the Chinese government, adding to the many recognitions he received in the past.

In his acceptance speech during a ceremony last April 22 in Beijing, Mr. Chan said he feels deeply humbled and grateful to receive such a prestigious award.

Mr. Chan said that both the Philippines and China hold special places in his heart.

“I am a Filipino-Chinese and was born in the Philippines. Both the Philippines – my motherland, and China – my ancestral country, hold special places in my heart. These two countries are separated by a strip of water and have a brotherly relationship that has lasted for centuries. Oishi and I, together with my family, will always remember the teachings of our ancestors, the virtues of Chinese culture and the importance of repaying the kindness shown to us.

“Fujian is the cradle of my parents, while the Philippines has nurtured me. Therefore, Oishi Shanghaojia and my family have taken on the mission of promoting the friendship between the Philippines and China,” he said.

The ceremony was led by Minister Wang Xiaoping and Vice Minister Li Zhong of Human Resources and Social Security of the People’s Republic of China and chairman Wan Lijun and vice chairman Cheng Hong of